Page 2193 of 2339

DISTRIBUTION - FRONT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
AIR FILTER
DESCRIPTION.........................42
REMOVAL.............................42
INSTALLATION.........................43
AIR OUTLETS
DESCRIPTION.........................43
REMOVAL
FRONT CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS........44
FRONT DEMISTER OUTLETS............44
INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLETS..........45
INSTALLATION
FRONT CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS........45
FRONT DEMISTER OUTLETS............45
INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLETS..........45
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION.........................45
OPERATION...........................45
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
FRONT BLOWER MOTOR...............46
REMOVAL.............................48INSTALLATION.........................49
DEFROSTER DUCT
REMOVAL.............................49
INSTALLATION.........................50
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................50
INSTALLATION.........................50
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
REMOVAL...........................50
DISSASEMBLY.......................51
INSTALLATION
ASSEMBLY..........................53
INSTALLATION.......................53
INSTRUMENT PANEL DEMISTER DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................54
INSTALLATION.........................54
INSTRUMENT PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL.............................55
INSTALLATION.........................55
AIR FILTER
DESCRIPTION
A dust and odor air filter is standard equipment on
models equipped with the three zone temperature
control systems (Fig. 1). The filter element is the
same size as the front air conditioner evaporator to
ensure ample filtering capacity. A removable door on
the bottom of the front HVAC housing below the
glove box provides easy access to the filter element
for replacement. The filter should be checked and
replaced at least once every 24,000 km (15,000 miles)
and checked if heater-A/C system performance seems
lower than expected.
REMOVAL
(1) Locate the air filter door on the bottom of the
lower HVAC housing just outboard of the passenger
side of the instrument panel center stack (Fig. 2).
(2) Slide the air filter door latch toward the rear of
the vehicle until it engages the opened stop on the
door.Fig. 1 Air Filter - LHD Shown, RHD Typical
1 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
2 - LOWER EDGE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL
3 - AIR FILTER (IF EQUIPPED)
4 - CENTER FLOOR BRACKET COVER
5 - FILTER SEALING EDGES (IF EQUIPPED)
6 - AIR FILTER OPENING (IF EQUIPPED)
24 - 42 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
Page 2194 of 2339

(3) Pull the air filter door straight downward to
disengage it from the air filter opening of the lower
HVAC housing.
(4) Use your fingers to reach through the air filter
opening of the lower HVAC housing far enough to
grasp the air filter.
(5) Pull the air filter straight down and out of the
HVAC housing.
INSTALLATION
(1) Note the ªAirflowº directional arrow imprinted
on the foam seal around the frame of the air filter.
This arrow should always be oriented towards the
center of the vehicle.
(2) With the air filter ªAirflowº arrow properly ori-
ented, carefully slide the filter fully upward into the
HVAC housing through the air filter opening.
(3) With the latch still positioned against its
opened stop, reinstall the air filter door onto the
lower HVAC housing air filter opening.
(4) Slide the air filter door latch toward the front
of the vehicle until it hits the closed stop on the door.
AIR OUTLETS
DESCRIPTION
Based upon the system mode selected, conditioned
air can exit the front HVAC housing through one or a
combination of the four main housing outlets: defrost,
demist, panel, or floor. Once the conditioned air exits
the unit housing, it is directed through molded plas-
tic ducts to the various outlets in the vehicle interior.
These outlets and their locations are as follows:²Defroster Outlet- A single, centrally mounted
outlet delivers air for defrosting the large windshield.
Because outlet vanes are not needed to direct flow, a
simple, integral grid is molded into the center of the
instrument panel top cover to prevent objects from
falling into the duct. If the defroster outlet is faulty
or damaged, the instrument panel top cover must be
replaced.
²Demister Outlets- There are two side window
demisters that aid in defogging and defrosting the
front door windows. One demister outlet is located at
each outboard end of the instrument panel top pad,
near the belt line at the A-pillars. The demister out-
lets can be removed from the top pad individually for
service replacement.
²Instrument Panel Outlets- There are five
panel outlets in the instrument panel, one located
near each outboard end of the instrument panel fac-
ing the rear of the vehicle, and three located near the
top of the instrument panel center bezel. On models
with manual temperature control, all five of these
outlets are fully adjustable. On models with Auto-
matic Temperature Control (ATC) system, the center
outlet in the center bezel has fixed vanes because it
also houses the remote infrared temperature sensors
for the front seat positions. The outboard outlets can
be removed individually for service replacement. The
center bezel outlets are serviced as a gang of three
outlets and, on models with ATC, also includes the
infrared sensors.
²Front Door Rear Outlets- A fully adjustable
outlet located at the rear of each front door trim
panel supplies only cooled air to the intermediate
seat passengers. Air is supplied to these outlets from
the instrument panel through ducts in the doors that
use molded seals at the instrument panel to prevent
air leakage. The door ducts are integral to the front
door trim panels. These outlets also incorporate a red
reflector to improve the safety and visibility of an
opened front door to traffic approaching the vehicle
from the rear at night. These outlets can be removed
from the door trim panels for service replacement.
²Front Floor Outlets- There are two front floor
outlets, one located above each side of the floor panel
center tunnel below the instrument panel. These out-
lets are integral to the front HVAC distribution hous-
ing.
²Rear Floor Outlets- Wide rear floor outlets
located under each front seat have integral, fixed
directional dividers to distribute heated air across
the floor for intermediate seat passengers. These out-
lets are integral to the floor distribution ducts routed
under the front floor carpet from an outlet nozzle on
the bottom of the front HVAC distribution housing.
Fig. 2 Air Filter Door - Typical
1 - AIR FILTER DOOR
2-LATCH
3 - CLOSED STOP
4 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
5 - OPENED STOP
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-43
AIR FILTER (Continued)
Page 2195 of 2339

REMOVAL
FRONT CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
The three outlets located near the top of the
instrument panel center bezel are serviced only as a
set of all three outlets. If the vehicle is equipped with
the optional automatic temperature control (ATC)
system, the center outlet of the three has fixed vanes
and also houses the remote front infrared tempera-
ture sensors.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL -
REMOVAL).
(3) Place the center bezel face down on a suitable
work surface. Be certain to take the proper precau-
tions to protect the face of the center bezel from cos-
metic damage.
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
ATC system, disconnect the ATC remote infrared
temperature sensor jumper harness from the sensor
connector receptacle located on the bottom of the cen-
ter outlet housing (Fig. 3).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the bot-
tom of the outlet housing to the center bezel.
(6) Roll the bottom of the outlet housing upwards
towards the top of the center bezel far enough to dis-
engage the retainer features on the top of the outlet
housing from their receptacles at the top of the cen-
ter bezel.
(7) Remove the center bezel outlets and housing
from the center bezel as a unit.
FRONT DEMISTER OUTLETS
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the outer perimeter of the
demister outlet away from the instrument panel top
pad until the snap features on the outlet are released
(Fig. 4).
(2) Remove the demister outlet from the demister
duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
Fig. 3 Center Air Outlets
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - INSTRUMENT PANEL SWITCH BANK
5 - CONNECTOR (ATC ONLY)
6 - JUMPER HARHESS (ATC ONLY)
Fig. 4 Demister Outlet
1 - DEMISTER OUTLET
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
3 - TRIM STICK
24 - 44 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
Page 2196 of 2339

INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLETS
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the outer perimeter of the
instrument panel outlet away from the instrument
panel top pad until the snap features on the outlet
are released (Fig. 5).
(2) Remove the instrument panel outlet from the
panel duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
INSTALLATION
FRONT CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
(1) Position the center bezel outlets and housing
onto the center bezel as a unit.
(2) Engage the retainer features on the top of the
outlet housing with their receptacles at the top of the
center bezel, then roll the bottom of the outlet hous-
ing downwards towards the center bezel.
(3) Install the three screws that secure the bottom
of the outlet housing to the center bezel. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
ATC system, reconnect the ATC remote infrared tem-
perature sensor jumper harness to the sensor connec-
tor receptacle located on the bottom of the center
outlet housing.
(5) Reinstall the center bezel onto the instrument
panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - INSTAL-
LATION).
(6) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FRONT DEMISTER OUTLETS
(1) Position the demister outlet over the demister
duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.(2) Using hand pressure, press the demister outlet
firmly and evenly into the instrument panel top pad
opening until the snap features on the outlet are
fully engaged.
INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLETS
(1) Position the instrument panel outlet into the
panel duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
(2) Using hand pressure, press the instrument
panel outlet firmly and evenly into the instrument
panel top pad opening until the snap features on the
outlet are fully engaged.
BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor is a 12-volt, Direct Current (DC)
motor with a squirrel cage-type blower wheel that is
secured to the blower motor shaft (Fig. 6). The
blower motor and wheel are located near the passen-
ger side end of the HVAC housing in the passenger
compartment below the instrument panel. The
blower motor and blower motor wheel are factory bal-
anced and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If faulty or
damaged, the blower motor and blower wheel must
be replaced as an assembly.
OPERATION
On models equipped with the manual heater-A/C
system, the blower motor will operate whenever the
ignition switch is in the On position and the blower
control switch is in any position except Off. On mod-
els equipped with the Automatic Temperature Con-
trol (ATC) system, the blower motor will operate
Fig. 5 Instrument Panel Outlet - Left Side Shown
1 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL OUTLET
3 - TRIM STICK
Fig. 6 Blower Motor
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - RUBBER GROMMET
3 - BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - MOUNTING TABS
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-45
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
Page 2197 of 2339

whenever the ignition switch is in the On position
and the A/C-heater control power is turned on.
The blower motor receives battery current when-
ever the front blower motor relay is energized. The
front blower motor relay output circuit is protected
by a fuse in the Integrated Power Module (IPM)
located in the engine compartment near the battery.
In the manual heater-A/C system, the blower motor
speed is controlled by regulating the path to ground
through the blower control switch and the blower
motor resistor. In the ATC system, the blower motor
speed is controlled by an electronic blower motor
power module, which uses a pulse width modulated
input from the ATC module and feedback from the
blower motor to regulate the blower motor ground
path it provides. The blower motor and wheel are
used to control the velocity of air moving through the
HVAC housing by spinning the blower wheel within
the housing at the selected speed or, in the ATC sys-
tem, at the selected or programmed speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
FRONT BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
For circuit descriptions and diagrams, refer to the
appropriate wiring information. The wiring informa-
tion includes wiring, diagrams, proper wire and con-
nector repair procedures, further details on wire
harness routing and retention, as well as pin-out and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.BLOWER MOTOR ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSIS
(1) Check the fuse (Fuse 10 - 40 ampere) in the
Integrated Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the A/C-heater control power is turned
on. Check for battery voltage at the fuse (Fuse 10 -
40 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, check the front blower motor relay.
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the front HVAC wire harness connector
for the front blower motor resistor block (Manual
Temperature Control) or the front blower motor
power module (Automatic Temperature Control) from
the resistor or module connector receptacle. Recon-
nect the battery negative cable. Turn the ignition
switch to the On position. Be certain that the A/C-
heater control power is turned on. Check for battery
voltage at the fused front blower motor relay output
circuit cavity of the front HVAC wire harness connec-
tor for the front blower motor resistor block (MTC) or
the front blower motor power module (ATC). If OK,
go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open fused front
blower motor relay output circuit to the IPM as
required.
(4) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the front blower motor pigtail wire con-
nector from the connector receptacle of the front
blower motor resistor block (MTC) or the front
blower motor power module (ATC). Use jumper wires
to connect a battery and ground feeds to the blower
motor pigtail wire connector. The blower motor
should operate. If OK with MTC, proceed to diagno-
sis of the front blower motor resistor block (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS
- FRONT/BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR - DIAGNO-
SIS AND TESTING). If OK with ATC, use a DRBIII
scan tool to diagnose the front blower motor power
module. Refer to Body Diagnostic information. If not
OK with MTC or ATC, replace the faulty front blower
motor.
BLOWER MOTOR NOISE OR VIBRATION
Refer to the Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagno-
sis chart for basic checks of the blower motor when a
vibration or noise is present (Fig. 7).
24 - 46 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
Page 2198 of 2339
Fig. 7 Blower Motor Noise/Vibration Diagnosis
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-47
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
Page 2199 of 2339

REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY OR DEATH.
NOTE: The blower motor is located on the passen-
ger side of the vehicle under the instrument panel.
The blower motor can be removed from the vehicle
without having to remove the HVAC housing.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the negative battery
cable.
(2) Remove the passenger side cowl trim panel
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM -
REMOVAL).
(3) Pull back the carpet to access the front upper
screw that secures the air inlet housing.
(4) Remove the recirculation door actuator (Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CON-
TROLS - FRONT/RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUA-
TOR - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the recirculation door actuator wire
lead from the routing clip located on the lower air
inlet housing and position the wire lead aside.
(6) Disconnect the blower motor wire lead connec-
tor from the blower motor resistor block or power
module, depending on application.
(7) Remove the one screw (from the top) that
secures the lower air inlet housing to the upper air
inlet housing (Fig. 8).
(8) Remove the four screws (from the bottom) that
secure the lower air inlet housing to the upper air
inlet housing and the lower HVAC housing.
(9) Push the rubber blower motor wire lead grom-
met through the opening in the lower air inlet hous-
ing (Fig. 9).
(10) Feed the blower motor wire lead through the
opening in the lower air inlet housing and remove
the lower air inlet housing from the vehicle.(11) Position the recirculation-air door as neces-
sary to access and remove the three screws that
secure the blower motor to the lower half of the
HVAC housing.
Fig. 8 Lower Air Inlet Housing
1 - BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR BLOCK/POWER MODULE
2 - BLOWER MOTOR WIRE LEAD
3 - LOWER HVAC HOUSING
4 - UPPER AIR INLET HOUSING
5 - UPPER SCREW (1)
6 - LOWER AIR INLET HOUSING
7 - RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR
8 - ACTUATOR WIRE LEAD
9 - LOWER SCREW (4)
Fig. 9 Blower Motor Wire Lead Grommet
1 - BLOWER MOTOR WIRE LEAD GROMMET
24 - 48 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
Page 2200 of 2339

(12) Gently flex the recirculation air door far down
enough to remove the blower motor and wheel from
the HVAC housing.
(13) Remove the blower motor and wheel from the
HVAC housing. Note the position of the blower motor
mounting tabs (Fig. 10).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the blower motor and wheel to the
lower half of the HVAC housing. Align the blower
motor mounting tabs to the correct location on the
HVAC housing.
(2) Gently flex the recirculation-air door far down
enough to install the blower motor and wheel into
the HVAC housing.
(3) Position the recirculation-air door as necessary
to install the three screws that secure the blower
motor to the HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to 2
N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(4) Feed the blower motor wire lead through the
opening in the lower air inlet housing and seat the
rubber grommet into the lower air inlet housing.
(5) Position the recirculation-air door pivot into
the lower air inlet housing.
(6) Install the four screws (from the bottom) that
secure the lower air inlet housing to the upper air
inlet housing and the lower HVAC housing. Tighten
the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(7) Install the one screw (from the top) that
secures the lower air inlet housing to the upper air
inlet housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in.
lbs.).
(8) Connect the blower motor wire lead connector
to the blower motor resistor block or power module,
depending on application.(9) Install the recirculation door actuator (Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS
- FRONT/RECIRCULATION DOOR ACTUATOR -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the recirculation door actuator wire
lead into the routing clip located on the lower air
inlet housing.
(11) Reinstall the carpet.
(12) Install the passenger side cowl trim panel
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/COWL TRIM -
INSTALLATION).
(13) Reconnect the negative battery cable.
(14) Perform the heater-A/C control calibration
procedure (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/CONTROLS - FRONT/A/C-HEATER CON-
TROL - STANDARD PROCEDURE - HEATER-A/C
CONTROL CALIBRATION).
DEFROSTER DUCT
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the proper
precautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.
(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the defroster
duct to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Remove the defroster duct from the instrument
panel.Fig. 10 Blower Motor Mounting Tabs
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - RUBBER GROMMET
3 - BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - MOUNTING TABS
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-49
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)